Rainy Lake?

I’ve always wanted to get out to Rainy and I have a trip planned for mid-January, but i’m not really sure where I can access the lake.

I know VNP does an ice road, but I’m probably a little early for that, and I’m pretty sure someone does an ice road into Sand Bay, but I was wondering what my options are for walking out from shore in between those two points.

Can I access the lake from Northernaire Houseboats access? Norway Island access point? Any other good access points?

Any help would be appreciated. There is close to zero information available about Rainy Lake.

I think you would want/need a snowmobile to get to any prime locations. I’m sure you could walk out from any of the public accesses, I think there’s one in Ranier, Tilson Bay and then the Visitors center. Not sure how much snow they got up there if an ATV would be doable or not.

Dutchy lives in I Falls. Maybe PM him for info.

Northernaire is the only business on county road 94. Everything beyond Northernaire is private property. There is no access point called Norway Island. That is a private parking lot.
Ice access is by toll road at Rainy Lake Marina or Voyageurs visitors center in black bay. Google ‘em. Most winter fishing is on sand bay or north from Black Bay narrows. There has been a private road plowed around Grindstone Island from time time to time. Not sure where it hits the mainland. Island View Lodge perhaps.
There are lots of winter stuff going on at Thunderbird Lodge. Not sure if there’s a plowed road from there. But a lot of snow machine action.
Back to Jackfish Bay: that channel between stop island and dr. Mary’s point is notorious for thin ice.

Thanks for the info everyone. Both on the launch locations and possible thin ice locations. Looks like I might be hoofing it a little further than I was hoping, but as long as I use the Smitty and there’s some snowmobile traffic I think it will be doable.

Book a room at Thunderbird Lodge, 218-286-3151 they rent snowmobiles so there will be hard pack to walk on right off their shoreline.

Already planning on staying at Thunderbird. I’m talking with them right now to see availability for rooms or cabins. Nice to know they rent sleds too. I might have to indulge for a day and rent one.

We are seeing -30 for temps this weekend, We will be making some ice. I don’t think you will have any trouble getting a room there this time of year. RainyDaze Guide Service 218-290-6102 does some ice fishing up here if you need / want a guide.

I can’t help with locations but if you need any other info give me a shout.

Brian